, john simmons. not john simmons- becomes a different john simmons when i'm relating to my kids, to my students, to my provost, to authority figures. you know, watch that- watch how you're going along, thinking, oh, boy, that religious studies class was so mellow and i'm feeling so good. and then somebody pulls out in front of you, "arrrrgggghhhh!" you know, you're sense of self has changed, from peace into an angry self, in relationship to that fool who pulled out in front of you, you know. that's what i'm talking about- it is not a cosmic, bizarre kind of insight the buddha is offering up; he's saying we suffer because we don't recognize that we are always, always- you know, our sense of self is in that relational mode. yeah, janet. >> i actually have to debate a little bit with you, because i found the no self thing to be the hardest part. my teacher started out with all things are by their very nature impermanent- even the mountains are worn down by the water, and crumble to the sea. so anything you might want to grasp onto isn't permanent. if you wish for things to be permanent- s
